I used my income so he could focus on Zoho, now he says I own just 5% of it: Vembu’s wife
The world of entrepreneurship is often marked by stories of struggle, perseverance, and ultimate triumph. However, behind every successful entrepreneur, there is often an unsung hero who has made sacrifices to support their partner’s vision. For Pramila Srinivasan, the wife of billionaire Sridhar Vembu, her sacrifices were not just emotional but also financial. She used her income to support Vembu as he built Zoho, a cloud-based software company that has become a household name. But in a shocking turn of events, Srinivasan has revealed that Vembu has claimed to own only 5% of the company, leaving her feeling betrayed and deceived.
Srinivasan’s story begins many years ago when Vembu quit his job to pursue his dream of building a software company. With a young family to support, Srinivasan took on the responsibility of being the primary breadwinner, using her income to support Vembu as he worked tirelessly to build Zoho from scratch. She recalls the early days of their marriage, when Vembu would spend long hours working on his business, often for little or no pay. She stood by him, supporting him financially and emotionally, as he navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
As Zoho began to gain traction, Srinivasan’s support for Vembu never wavered. She continued to work, earning a steady income that allowed Vembu to focus on growing the business. She was his rock, his confidante, and his partner in every sense of the word. Together, they faced numerous challenges, from finding investors to building a team of talented engineers. But through it all, Srinivasan was there, supporting Vembu every step of the way.
But in a stunning revelation, Srinivasan has come forward to say that Vembu has claimed to own only 5% of Zoho, despite the fact that she supported him financially and emotionally throughout their marriage. This claim has left Srinivasan feeling shocked, betrayed, and deceived. She had always assumed that she and Vembu were equal partners in the business, and that their joint efforts had built Zoho into the successful company it is today.
The truth, however, is far more complex. According to court documents, Vembu’s sister Radha is the largest shareholder of Zoho, with a staggering 47.8% stake in the company. This has raised questions about the ownership structure of Zoho and how Vembu’s family members have benefited from the company’s success. Srinivasan’s claim that she was not aware of the ownership structure of Zoho until Vembu filed for divorce has sparked a heated debate about the role of family members in entrepreneurial ventures.
The case has also highlighted the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship, particularly when it comes to ownership and control of businesses. Srinivasan’s story is a stark reminder that even in the 21st century, women continue to face significant barriers to equality in the business world. Despite her significant contributions to Zoho’s success, Srinivasan has been left feeling marginalized and excluded from the company’s ownership structure.
The court case between Srinivasan and Vembu is ongoing, with a US court recently ordering Vembu to post a $1.7 billion bond in the divorce case. The outcome of the case is far from certain, but one thing is clear: Srinivasan’s story has sparked a national conversation about the importance of equality and fairness in entrepreneurship.
As the case continues to unfold, it is clear that Srinivasan’s story is not just about her personal struggles, but about the broader issues of gender equality and ownership in the business world. Her courage in speaking out against Vembu’s claims has inspired countless women to share their own stories of struggle and perseverance.
In the end, Srinivasan’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains committed to fighting for what she believes is rightfully hers. As the world watches the outcome of the court case, one thing is certain: Srinivasan’s story will be a catalyst for change, inspiring a new generation of women entrepreneurs to demand equality and fairness in the business world.
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